Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1907064 Experimental Gerontology 2006 4 Pages PDF
Abstract

Aging research has a problem. The field is expanding rapidly but our understanding of aging is clouded because of the language we use when describing genes that influence aging. As researchers from different disciplines gather to solve aging problems, different terms are being used to describe genetic affects. Genetic alterations can bring about enormous changes in lifespan but the significance of these experiments is debated; either the results are hailed as spectacular breakthroughs or alternatively considered laboratory artifacts unlikely to reveal useful knowledge about aging. How could this have come about and what do we need to do about it? I suggest we need to listen to exactly what each other is saying and also think carefully about how we are using key terms when describing our results. Rather than a scholarly review of this important issue, this article is intended to prompt debate. Consequently, “the gloves are off”.

Related Topics
Life Sciences Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology Ageing
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